School Operations Manager, Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana - IL - Chicago

ROLE TITLE: School Operations Manager,  Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana · TEAM: Pre-Service  · APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. · LOCATION: In the Region  · WHAT YOU'LL DO  · As the School Operations Manager (SOM), you wil ...

Job description

ROLE TITLE: School Operations Manager,  Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana

TEAM: Pre-Service 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

LOCATION: In the Region 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

As the School Operations Manager (SOM), you will play a critical role in making summer training a "mountaintop" moment by managing the day-to-day school site operations where corps members are completing their Practicum portion of Pre-Service. Additionally, you'll contribute to creating, managing, and upholding systems that allow for seamless operations within your regional community and equip corps members with the information and resources they need to navigate their experience. School Operations Managers are responsible for working in partnerships with local school staff and ensuring smooth logistics at learning sites. During the Spring, you will complete virtual training (both synchronous and asynchronous) to prepare for the role, which will begin at the start of the wave of Pre-Service for your respective region. You'll be managed by the Pre-Service Lead in the region you work with and co-trained and supported by your region's MD, Operations.  

WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR 

Spring Training 

• Internalize and develop a deep understanding of the systems you'll execute in the summer 

• Starting the week of April 20th, complete the required synchronous live calls on weekday evenings and asynchronous training for your role  

• Engage in 1:1 check-ins and role-specific meetings 

• Begin performing regional functions and execute to-dos in all digital platforms 

• Proactively build relationships with other staff members to understand and shape the summer experience

Corps Member Training and Practicum 

• Own on-the-ground school site logistics on behalf of TFA, inclusive of liaising with the school site's operational staff, owning physical set up and take down at the school site, maintaining visitor systems, maintaining temporary "TFA Headquarters" office, managing printing/printer access and teaching materials, and contributing to operations for school site initiatives (meal delivery, bus loading, etc.) 

• Assist with rostering and student lists at the school site as needed 

• Support attendance tracking for supported CMs by collecting and submitting in-person attendance and supporting resolving CM attendance issues, in partnership with the Operations Specialist

• Contribute to CM communications through in-person moments of Pre-Service, including monitoring Slack/communications channels, sending logistical reminders, and contributing to daily announcements 

• Support CM user experience in Pre-Service platforms and school-based and/or regional systems, assisting with operational and technical needs

• Support in-person accommodations for CMs, as needed

• Support regional/cohort operations, as needed 

A WEEK IN THE LIFE 

In a typical week, you'll serve as the on-the-ground operational point person at your school site, managing logistics that keep Pre-Service running smoothly. You'll coordinate with school staff, oversee daily setup and breakdown of TFA spaces, maintain visitor and "TFA Headquarters" systems, and ensure teaching materials, printing access, and other site needs are ready for CMs and staff. You may also assist with rostering and student lists to support instructional alignment.

Your week will include monitoring and submitting in-person attendance, partnering with the Operations Specialist to resolve CM attendance concerns, and supporting clear communication by sharing reminders, contributing to announcements, and staying active on Slack. You'll help CMs navigate Pre-Service platforms and school-based systems, troubleshooting operational or technical issues as they arise.

Throughout it all, you'll ensure a supportive on-site experience: coordinating accommodations, jumping in on regional or cohort operations, and helping create a seamless, welcoming environment for every corps member.

YOUR EXPERIENCE 

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role (minimum qualifications): 

• At least 2 years of college experience

• One or more years of teaching or professional experience in operations

• Proactive Learning and Adaptation: Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and implement training for on-the-ground operations, adapting to new challenges and systems with agility 

• Effective Communication and Relationship Building: Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on building relationships and  enhancing the Practicum experience for staff and CMs 

• Strategic Organizational and Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills, proficient in managing school site logistics and operational tasks in a fast-paced environment 

• Customer Service and Support Orientation: Proven track record of providing excellent customer service, addressing the needs of CMs and colleagues with empathy and resourcefulness

• Operational and Technical Proficiency: Comfortable managing operational needs and leveraging technology to ensure the smooth functioning of the school site and its systems 

• Innovative Problem-Solving and Initiative: Ability to creatively and proactively solve complex problems, especially in managing school site operations and addressing unforeseen challenges 

• Collaborative Teamwork and Inclusivity: Experience in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, working effectively with diverse teams to support regional and cohort needs 

• Data-Driven and Analytical Approach: Skillful in using data and analytics to inform operational decisions and strategies, ensuring an efficient  and effective learning environment 

BONUS (preferred qualifications)  

• Previous experience working with Teach For America and/or Pre-Service is strongly preferred

YOUR FUTURE TEAM 

Our Pre-Service training team will equip teacher leaders with the foundational mindsets, knowledge, and skills for classroom success from the first day of school. Through collectively building judgment and reflecting on student progress, they learn to execute rigorous lessons, create welcoming learning environments, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

YOUR COMPENSATION 

The School Operations Manager role is compensated $23.32 per hour throughout the entire commitment. Compensation for all Pre-Service positions is competitive and determined based on role responsibilities.  

DURATION 

The start date for the School Operations Manager role is April 6th. During the first two weeks, you will spend time onboarding to our systems and familiarizing yourself with our systems. Part-time Staff Training for this role begins the week of April 20th.  Check out the Pre-Service Start Wave and Practicum timelines here.